Terrahaptix, a Nigerian drone company, is prepared to expand its reach by exporting drones to South Africa to support the country’s mining industry. The company has secured an exclusive contract with DiggingDeep, a leading firm connecting African mining operations with suppliers, to distribute its drones to South African mining companies.
Founder Nathan Nwachukwu stated, “The mining industry is where we have the most customers.” Terrahaptix drones will be deployed for a variety of purposes, including surveying and mapping mining sites, inspecting equipment, and monitoring hazardous areas, reducing the need for workers to be exposed to dangerous conditions. The drones will also assist in identifying mineral deposits and monitoring environmental factors such as air and water quality.
The global market for mining drones is growing rapidly, with 65% of mines worldwide using drones, up from 44% in 2018. The market is projected to surge from $31.4 billion to $103 billion by 2031.
South Africa will become the fifth African country to receive Terrahaptix drones, joining Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria. Most of Terrahaptix’s sales are already international, and the company is aiming to dominate the African drone market within the next five years. Nwachukwu remarked, “This is going to help us solidify our position as a drone leader on the continent.”
The company has already exceeded its $1.6 million revenue target and is on track to surpass $2 million in its first year. Demand for Terrahaptix drones is expected to increase by the end of 2024, driven by Africa’s mining renaissance and the rising demand for electric vehicles (EVs), which require lithium batteries.
With 80% of its drone materials sourced locally and competitive pricing, Terrahaptix is well-positioned to expand beyond Africa soon.
